Page 2273 - Week 06 - Thursday, 6 June 2019
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At the same time, Kiribati is also experiencing other effects of climate change. Increasingly frequent king tides, storm surges, floods and longer droughts are all now part of the daily reality for the people of Kiribati. Sea level rise is also turning freshwater reserves salty, and rendering land unusable for growing crops. The people of Kiribati are now seriously having to consider leaving their homes in order to keep their families safe.
Here in Canberra, it is hard to imagine facing such a heartbreaking situation, but the reality is that without drastic action we all face increasingly dire consequences from climate change. Our friends in Kiribati are already facing the situation where their homes and the actual land on which they live are at risk of being drowned. Here in Australia, in the ACT, one of the most privileged places in the world, we have a responsibility to take serious and urgent action on climate change, not just for ourselves but for others like our friends in Kiribati who cannot afford to wait any longer.
Today’s motion is one of celebration, and I join with Madam Speaker in sending the parliament and the people of Kiribati heartfelt congratulations on reaching this significant milestone. While I join Madam Speaker in wishing our friends in Kiribati a bright and prosperous future, I cannot stand here today and ignore the imminent threat posed to Kiribati by climate change and by the inaction of Australia and other developed countries.
It is clear that Kiribati has strong democratic institutions and a parliament that operates with integrity and dedication. Through the relationship that our two parliaments have developed since 2007, we have created deep and enduring bonds of friendship. Because I value those ties, I feel it is important to raise the issue of climate change as part of today’s debate. When our friends are facing a crisis, we must be there for them and do what we can to assist.
On behalf of the ACT Greens, I send my best wishes and congratulations to the Speaker of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, the Hon Tebuai Uaai, and the President of Kiribati, the Hon Taneti Maamau, on this most significant milestone. We look forward to continuing to work with you and sharing our experiences of building strong and healthy democracies through our communities. Just as we celebrate with you today, we also stand with you in challenging times and reaffirm that you will always have friends and allies here in the ACT.
MS LAWDER (Brindabella) (5.05): On behalf of the Leader of the Opposition and all of the Canberra Liberals, I would like to add a few words to what has already been expressed so well in this place. We would like to add our congratulations and best wishes to the people of Kiribati on the 40th anniversary of their independence.
The Kiribati parliament, the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, and the ACT Legislative Assembly have developed a special relationship through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s twinning program. Many members of this Assembly have been lucky enough to travel to the Republic of Kiribati as part of this initiative and have spoken about the warm hospitality that was shown and the valuable ties that
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